Benzema has not featured for France since October 2015 after he was suspended by the French Football Federation (FFF) for his alleged involvement in an alleged blackmail attempt against Mathieu Valbuena.

Earlier this week, Benzema, who denies any wrongdoing, demanded an explanation from Deschamps for his continued exile.

The 29-year-old also appeared to hit out at the decision on social media after he liked an Instagram image of his own skill against three Atletico Madrid defenders, whose faces were replaced by Deschamps, Giroud and former France prime minister Manuel Valls, who said in December 2015 that the striker had ‘no place’ in the France team’.

When asked what he thought about Benzema’s social media activity, Deschamps replied: ‘I would say only one word – it’s pathetic.’

Deschamps also supported his decision to continue leaving Benzema out of France’s squad.

‘The French team was built before the Euro, it consolidated through the competition where France managed to go to the final.

‘The group continued to be in this qualifying phase [for the World Cup in 2018].

Benzema continues to be left out of France’s national side. (TF-Images/Getty Images)